51AV视频

PM 'reneges' on commitment to protect tenant farmers from solar takeovers, TFA warns

At the now infamous NFU Conference in 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said solar energy infrastructure should not come at the expense of tenant farmers and food production. But TFA chief executive George Dunn said a recent outcome for tenants in North Yorkshire would suggest otherwise

Chris Brayford
clock 鈥� 5 min read
Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."
Image:

Sir Keir Starmer, at NFU Conference 2023, said: "We have got high hopes for solar energy in our green prosperity plan. But we cannot do it by taking advantage of tenant farmers, farmers producing good British food on carefully maintained, fertile land. They cannot plan properly if the soil beneath their feet is not secure."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has failed to honour a commitment to the agricultural sector prior to the General Election that solar energy schemes would not come at the expense of tenant farm businesses,...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Join Now

听

More on Politics

Countryside must be at heart of Andy Burnham's reset, insist Labour MPs
Politics

Countryside must be at heart of Andy Burnham's reset, insist Labour MPs

A new study says rural communities are central to food security, clean energy, housing, nature recovery and long-term growth

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 14 July 2026 鈥� 3 min read
Tighten biosecurity before its too late, says Shadow Defra Minister
Politics

Tighten biosecurity before its too late, says Shadow Defra Minister

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 13 July 2026 鈥� 2 min read
Farming Matters: "Are governments listening or have they just learnt to say the right words?"
Politics

Farming Matters: "Are governments listening or have they just learnt to say the right words?"

Rory Hutchings, partner and head of agriculture and estates at HCR Law, discusses the current rhetoric on farming coming from Westminster and the Senedd in Wales.

Farmers Guardian
clock 11 July 2026 鈥� 4 min read